August 2026 student housing report shows preleasing near 90%
The August 2026 Yardi Matrix report highlights a 2% year-over-year rent growth in student housing, with steady average rents at $930 per bed for six months, and preleasing reaching 89 percent.
The Yardi MatrixStudent Housing National Report for August 2026 shows that rent growth has picked up this month. Year-over-year rent growth grew to 2% in July; average rent prices have remained unchanged at $930 per bed, however, holding steady for the sixth consecutive month.
Preleasing reached an estimated 89.1% in July 2026 ahead of fall move-ins.
"This marked an improvement from recent reports in which the sector had begun to trail prior-year levels, although the final preleasing curve will be revised after September occupancy is collected," the report states.
According to the report, most Yardi 200 markets—117 in total—were at or above their July 2025 preleasing levels.
Quinn Purcell is the Managing Editor for Building Design+Construction. Covering the building industry for over four years, he has contributed to several award-winning industry reports, physical/digital magazines, and online news coverage. Quinn delivers content ranging from multifamily housing, technology, sustainability, and more.
For BD+C, Quinn runs the brand's 40 Under 40 program, covers product updates monthly, manages a blog partnership with over 50 AEC firms, and writes daily analytic-driven content for the website.
